Position Statement

The pros and cons of 11 common labor positions.

5. SIDE-LYING

Pros
Helps get oxygen to the baby.
Good resting position.
Helpful if you have elevated blood pressure.
Fine with epidural.
Can make contractions more effective.
Easier for you to relax between contractions during the second stage.
Can slow a birth that’s moving too fast.
Your partner can assist in the birth by supporting your legs.
Lowers chances of tearing or the need for episiotomy.
Good access to perineum.  
 

Cons
May be hard for health-care provider to access fetal heart tones.
No help from gravity.
If no one can hold your legs, you must support them on your own.
You may feel too passive in this position.

6. WALKING
 

Pros
Uses gravity.
Contractions are often less painful.
Baby is well aligned in your pelvis.
May speed labor.
Reduces backache.
Encourages descent.  
 

Cons
Not recommended if you have high blood pressure.
Cannot be used with continuous electronic fetal monitoring.

7. STANDING
 

Pros
Uses gravity.
Helps get oxygen to the baby.
Contractions are more effective and less painful.
May speed labor.
Helps create a pushing urge.  
 

Cons
Poor control at birth.
Hard for health-care provider to see the baby.